Carla's POV

I wake up groggily, my head pounding with a fierce hangover. The room is dimly lit, and I struggle to remember how I got here. My phone is lying beside me, and I notice a missed call from Lucian. I vaguely recall calling him last night, pretending to be drunk, and now I feel a mix of embarrassment and curiosity about what transpired. Did he really come to get me?

"Hey, Lucian," I say, trying to sound nonchalant but failing miserably. I quickly dial his number, my heart pounding in my chest as I wait for him to pick up.

"Carla? Are you okay?" His voice is filled...